The government’s commitment to creating a conducive work environment will be realised through the enforcement of the Occupational Safety and Health (Amendment) Act 2022.

Deputy Minister of Human Resources Abdul Rahman Mohamad said the amendments, scheduled to be enforced from June 1, include a tenfold increase in penalties.

“Among the significant changes in the Occupational Safety and Health (Amendment) Act 2022 is the tenfold increase (deterrent effect) from the existing penalties, with the maximum penalty raised from RM50,000 to RM500,000.

“The increased penalty rate for each violation under this act indirectly ensures that employers prioritise worker safety, health, and welfare, thereby fostering accident-free and disease-free workplaces,” he said.

Abdul Rahman (above) said this in a speech, which was delivered by his ministry’s deputy secretary-general (policy and international) Norison Ramli at a seminar in Shah Alam, Selangor, today.

The deputy minister said gazetting the legislation is in line with current developments, following the emergence of new job sectors exposing workers to various safety and health hazards.

In April, Human Resources Minister Steven Sim Chee Keong signed the gazette to expedite the implementation and enforcement of the act.

The act, which was postponed for almost two years, requires employers with five or more employees to analyse workplace risks and appoint safety and health coordinators, among other measures.

The Occupational Safety and Health (Amendment) Act 2022 was passed by Parliament on March 16, 2022.

Abdul Rahman added that promoting a safe and healthy work environment would help to lower the number of work-related injuries and increase awareness of occupational diseases.

“The creation of more quality job opportunities, in line with the country’s economic development, requires effective risk management.

“In this regard, amendments to this act have included specific provisions related to risk management in the workplace,” he added.

- Bernama

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